Rušinac Castle

Rušinac Castle, locally known as Kaštel Rušinac, lies in the town of Kaštel Lukšić, in the county of Split-Dalmatia in Croatia.

After Bosnia fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1463, Dalmatia, which was part of the Venetian Republic, faced the threat of Ottoman invasions. Local landowners, the Split Archbishopric, monasteries, and nobles from Trogir and Split sought to protect their estates and the villagers who worked for them. Over the following decades, they built 17 fortifications and fortified 12 villages along the coast of Kaštela Bay, between Trogir and Split.

Rušinac Castle was one of these fortifications. It was constructed at the end of the 15th century by Mihovil Rosani (Rušinić) from Trogir, after receiving permission from the Venetian authorities in 1482. The castle was built on coastal rocks along the shore and resembled a fortified tower house rather than a traditional castle. A small area on the shore was also fortified with a defensive wall featuring corner towers. Within this area, a small settlement of local farmers was established.

Due to its poor defenses, the village was abandoned during the Fifth Ottoman-Venetian War (1645-1669), when the villagers sought refuge in the nearby, more secure Vitturi Castle.

Today, Rušinac Castle appears to be a private residence and is not open to visitors. It is not very interesting.

Gallery